Injury-Plagued Season Affects Mets' Rotation
Kodai Senga, the 31-year-old phenom whose promising career with the Mets has been hampered by injury this season, is eyeing a return to the mound before the regular season concludes on September 29. After enduring several setbacks, Senga estimates his recovery is now between 70% and 80%, and there's a cautious sense of optimism within the Mets' camp regarding his return.
The narrative of Senga's 2023 campaign reads like a tapestry of misfortunes. A shoulder capsule strain sidelined him until July 26. His return, however, was short-lived. In his very first start back, Senga suffered a high-grade calf strain, which further delayed his comeback. Despite these hurdles, Senga and the Mets' medical team remain hopeful for his imminent return. "If all continues to progress as it is right now, we should see him," noted David Stearns.
Senga’s prowess as a pitcher was undisputed last season. He posted an impressive 2.98 ERA across 29 starts, earning him a spot in the All-Star Game and substantial recognition in the awards circuit: second in Rookie of the Year voting and seventh in Cy Young Award voting. Additionally, his 2.62 strikeout-to-walk ratio and an estimated 4.5 Wins Above Replacement (WAR) according to Baseball Reference underscored his invaluable contribution to the team.
Unfortunately, this season has presented a stark contrast. Senga has made just a single major-league appearance due to his injuries. The Mets' starting rotation has visibly strained in his absence, compounded by the unavailability of other key pitchers. Paul Blackburn and Christian Scott, both crucial components, are currently sidelined. Scott, in particular, faces season-ending elbow surgery, which disrupts the rotation depth even further.
With the heavy burden on their bullpen and reliance on lesser-experienced starters, the Mets find themselves in a precarious position. Currently tied with the Arizona Diamondbacks for the second wild-card spot, the team holds only a marginal two-game lead over the Atlanta Braves. As the two teams gear up for an upcoming three-game series, the significance of Senga's potential return becomes paramount.
This series is more than just a clash of titans; it is likely to determine who advances to the playoffs, given it could settle the season series tiebreaker. The Mets, aware of the stakes, are navigating through these high-pressure scenarios with cautious optimism.
The looming question remains: Can Senga return in time to tip the balance in the Mets' favor? His potential re-entry is seen as a beacon of hope, capable of reinvigorating a rotation that's been pounded under considerable strain. The entire Mets organization, from the management to the fans, eagerly await the answer as the regular season races towards its finale.
As September 29 approaches, the developments around Senga's health and readiness will be closely scrutinized. The anticipation continues to build, with many hoping that the 31-year-old right-hander can recapture the form that made him a standout performer last season. If Senga makes a successful return, it could very well be the turning point the Mets need to solidify their place in the playoffs and make a deep postseason run.
For now, the Mets can only focus on one game at a time, hoping their ace can rise from the ashes of his injury-ridden season and deliver when it counts the most.